Marie-Astrid Mence

The French ballerina danced with Ballet Black and was a sensation in last year’s startling new version of Oklahoma! As the show arrives in London’s West End, she shares her advice on trusting your instincts and staying inspired.

Dance Gazette | Advice Bureau | Issue 6 - Feb 2023

The best advice I ever received One of the best pieces of advice I received was to focus on the process and not on the result. I know this is classic, perhaps a cliché, but it’s actually very good not to be obsessed by being successful; by being seen. This allowed me to focus on my training, to focus on what’s lacking, and to keep evolving and push myself outside my zone. I went further with my artistic career. 

Another piece of incredible advice I received was to trust my gut and instincts. People want to be normalised: maybe that is changing slowly, but at the time I was obsessed with being accepted and I’m very happy that I listened to my unique voice and understood that the way I move is my own. I think artists need to find the flow, find their way – and I think that the more different you are, the better you are seen in any room.

The advice I would pass on The advice I will give to the next generation is to stay curious and stay inspired by going to museums, theatres and movies. I think it’s the best way to refresh our vision about what’s already happening in the industry. There are a lot of things that repeat themselves, but I think there are many stories to be told and many stories to be believed. Go outside of your zone and discover what has not been touched yet.

WATCH

Marie-Astrid Mence in a teaser for Oklahoma!

RESOURCES

SEND YOUR FEEDBACK
Previous
Inside RAD post

Prize performances

Dance Gazette

Read more

REST OF Issue 6 - Feb 2023

Art of the matter post

In Fonteyn’s footsteps

As the RAD’s flagship competition returns in person, Gerard Charles, the RAD’s Artistic Director, looks forward to The Fonteyn 2023.

Big Picture post

Dame Beryl Grey

The great British ballerina, RAD Vice President – and Dance Gazette agony aunt.

interviews

Meet Mr Baryshnikov

Q&A interview with Baryshnikov and a report from the award ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Mikhail Baryshnikov partnering Antoinette Sibley in Giselle. Photo: Science History Images/Alamy
features

Bullet at the ballet

One critic described Mikhail Baryshnikov as ‘a shining golden bullet’ on the ballet stage. Jonathan Gray looks back on his miraculous classical career.

features

Misha and me

Even as his ballet career drew to a close, Mikhail Baryshnikov embraced modern dance, screen acting and experimental theatre. Artists including Mark Morris, Robert Wilson and Willem Dafoe tell Sarah Crompton about working with Baryshnikov.

Inside RAD post

Prize performances

The Bedells Bursary was held at the RAD’s new headquarters for the first time.

Safeguarding lets dancers and teachers focus on the joy of dance. Illustration: Bex Glendining
reports

Protection programme

Dance organisations at last accept that safeguarding and child protection should be central to their work. Sally Howard reports on how the RAD is at the forefront of a slow revolution.

Photo: Jimmy Parratt
features

Golden thread

From students to teachers, from adults taking up ballet in later life or using their dance training to pivot into a new career – the RAD forms a supportive thread through many dancing lives. We follow varied RAD stories from Brazil, Greece, Australia and the UK.

Turning inward: a rehearsal at the Bolshoi. Photo: Denis Sinyakov/Alamy
reports

Curtains for the Bolshoi?

One year on from the invasion of Ukraine, Russian ballet is isolated from the wider world. Simon Morrison traces the recent history of the Bolshoi, Russia’s iconic ballet company.

Playlist post

Dada Masilo

The South African choreographer selects some favourite music.

Why Dance Matters post

Monica Mason

The RAD Vice President recalls travelling the world through ballet.

RAD Q&A post

Aaron Bloomfield

Aaron Bloomfield is the RAD’s new National Director Australia. How does a background in gymnastics prepare him for the dance world?